Advice for NY-San Fran Trip

[RJH]

Hi all,

I'm currently planning a late May/early June cross-country road trip. There are only two of us going, we are in our early twenties and have traveled a lot, but have never done the extended road trip adventure. We're looking to leave from Poughkeepsie, NY and end up in San Fransisco following I-80 until we detour south for Denver then back through Salt Lake City on to San Fransisco. On the way back we are planning to take a more northern route and hit some national parks including Crater Lake, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and the Badlands. We then are planning to travel across Minnesota and Wisconsin and Michigan's UP before heading into Canada as we are ending the trip in the Adirondacks.

I would really like to hear any suggestions, comments or criticism on the trip. We have over three weeks to do the trip and are planning to camp often on our way. We are trying to keep the trip as cheap as possible, but I never like to cheap out on something that is worthwhile even if it does cost.

A few more specific questions:

Does it seem like a feasible route and time line?

Anyone have recommendations on places to stay, eat or "must-see"s?

What should we expect in weather for the northern route in June?


Thanks for any help you might be able to lend us on our trip. We really want to see a lot of the country, especially the natural wonders. I am a hobby photographer and am looking for the chance to see (and hopefully capture) some amazing sights.

Cheers!

[glc]

If you are going to Denver, instead of taking I-80 all the way, when you get to Ohio, instead of taking the turnpike, stay on I-76, then I-71 to Columbus, pick up I-70, and take that all the way. Saves quite a bit on tolls, and keeps you out of the Chicago traffic mess. It also lets you visit Indy and St. Louis if you care.

Make sure you both have passports, they will be required to re-enter the US from Canada starting June 1.

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

You seem to have the major stops on your RoadTrip planned, but remember that there are a lot more things to see than just the 'must sees' that everyone goes to, and that it's always a good idea to take a break every few hours rather than just monotonously cruise down the Interstate. Weather really shouldn't be a problem as long as your sleeping bags are rated down to a bit below freezing - it will get cold in the mountains at night even in June. The one problem I foresee is that if you don't already have passports and the long delayed requirement is or has been put into effect, then your plan to return home through Canada will have to be thrown out the window. You won't be able to apply for and get them in the time you have left.

AZBuck

[glc]

No problem getting passports - current lead times (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing/processing_1740.html) are 4-6 weeks standard and 2-3 weeks expedited. In the fall of 07 I was told 4 to 6 weeks and got it in 3.

[RJH]

Thanks for the advice so far. I will definitely look into changing the route to avoid Chicago and look into checking out St. Louis. Especially, if we might get to see something more interesting, avoid some traffic and save on tolls.

Luckily, we both have passports. Though, I need to look into renewing mine...

AZBuck, thanks for those links they looked packed full of info!

[glc]

St. Louis has one mandatory stop - the Gateway Arch. It also has riverboat casinos, restaurants, and cruises.